On August 20, the Assam government will release a Rs 123-crore compensation package for people
whose homes were completely or partially damaged in this year’s floods. On that day, the compensation
amount will be transferred directly into the victims’ bank accounts. This was one of the key decisions
made during today’s Assam Cabinet meeting.
Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah told reporters after the meeting, "Following thorough investigation, it
was discovered that approximately 5,532 houses were completely destroyed or severely damaged by
the floods. The family will receive Rs 1.01 lakh for each such house in the hill areas, while Rs 95,000 will
be given in the plain areas. The government will spend Rs 53 crore on this project.
A total of 35,635 pucca houses were damaged in some way. Each family will receive Rs 5,200, while
families whose kutcha houses were partially damaged will receive Rs 3,200. 1.51 lakh kutcha houses are
partially damaged. A total of 3,016 huts were demolished, and each family will receive Rs 4,100.
The Assam Logistic Policy, 2022, was approved by the Cabinet today, ushering in industrial development
in the state. "The government wants to provide cutting-edge infrastructure for companies and
industrialists who want to invest in our state," Baruah said.
The Assam Motor Vehicle Rules, 2003 were amended by the Cabinet. This rule empowers the authorities
to auction seized, impounded, and detained vehicles that have not been released by their respective
owners after 90 days from the date of seizure.
In addition, the Cabinet relaxed some pension rules. When a pensioner dies, it is often unclear who will
receive the pension. Unmarried daughters, minor children, or divyang children are all possibilities for the
pensioner. In such cases, the Cabinet decided that the pension would be divided among the pensioner's
eligible children.
With some changes to excise rules, the Cabinet has given Deputy Commissioners the authority to
convert online liquor shops (bars) in rural areas to offline liquor shops within 45 days. "This was done
because it has been observed that the social environment in rural areas has been impacted by the
opening of bars," Baruah explained.
Today, the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority Act, 1985, was amended by the Cabinet. It
was decided to establish a unified metro transport authority that would develop and implement all
transportation-related regulations in Guwahati.
In panchayat areas, there are two types of Assistant Block Development Officers (BDOs): Panchayat and
Women & Children. They are eligible for advancement after 15 years of service, but the Cabinet reduced
that to 13 years today.
The Cabinet also decided to award Rs 2 lakh in compensation to the families of the 19 Assamese who
died in the recent landslide in Manipur, as well as the family of the one person who remains missing.